I don't get it.
Why would the outfit currently reproducing Postwar Lionel LW transformer control handles switch to casting them out of black plastic?
I think that one of the nice features of the LW transformer is the illuminated control dial.
This was accomplished by casting the handle in clear plastic, and painting the outside black.
The clear plastic allowed some of the light to leak from the bulb in the center of the control post to the outside edge of the handle, and light the dial.
Reproduction handles were made this same way for many years.
Older ones came already painted, ready to install.
Later ones came unpainted, and therefore needed to be painted by the customer to get the same effect.
I don't see how solid black handles can provide the same effect.
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